Writers attack new Italian 'race laws'
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Independent Minds
Italy's parliament yesterday gave final approval to a controversial law which criminalises illegal immigration and legalises unarmed vigilante patrols by citizens. The law was assured an easy final passage by being tied to a confidence vote, so that MPs in the ruling coalition were virtually obliged to vote for it.
The new law represents the fulfilment of several key policies of the Northern League, the anti-immigration party which has been the clear winner in Italy's two most recent elections. The Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, the author of the bill, is a senior member of the League.
This week some of the country's most famous writers signed an open letter condemning the legislation as the "reintroduction of race laws", comparing the measure to the infamous Race Laws introduced by Mussolini in 1938, which banned Jews from work and education.
The letter, signed by Andrea Camilleri, the Sicilian writer, and the Nobel prize-winning dramatist Dario Fo among others, said: "The Berlusconi government, using security as a pretext, has imposed... laws the like of which we have not seen in this country since the passing of the Fascist Race Law." The letter claimed that "irregular" immigrants could be barred from marrying Italians and from registering the birth of their children, "so the children... shall for their entire lives be the children of unknown parents... Not even Fascism went that far."
Amnesty International also criticised the legislation, under which it said "irregular migrants will... be prevented from accessing school, medical (including emergency) care and being protected by security forces against crime". The law will also oblige doctors, teachers and civil servants to report immigrants who they discover are illegal to the authorities.
Fear over "security", frequently directed at immigrants, was an important factor in helping Mr Berlusconi's coalition to victory in the general election last year.
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Comments
immigration and asylum laws. Truly, Uncle Monty. Blog: http://thebiggerissue.org/.
It's about time people woke up to this very real threat to the fabric of our society.
The main point is people are not fearful and hateful of people of ethnic backgrounds, but are responding to the mass settling in one area of immigrants. This does not make them "tossers" or even racist, facist, or any other kind of "IST".
Even now in Calais, the French Government and its citizens are saying more has to be done, and Germany has gone either further with Angela Murkells saying "Britain has got to do something about this situation". What exactly i don't know.
Immigration in many ways has been good for the UK, but recent rises, as seen throughout Europe, has been putting a strain on communities, especially at this time of a major economic slowdown.
There are differening kinds of tension with immigration though. Look at what is happening now in Surrey and Essex, where Irish Gypsies settled on land five years ago and have caused turmoil within the small communities, ruined the land of the farmer and caused the local authorities thousands in legal expenses. See what i mean? These are not what people would class as "foreign immigrants" but because of EU legislation that is what they are classed as. If they were in Ireland their caravans could be legally impounded and the land recovered.
Immigration, like any other movement of people has to be controlled otherwise resources will quickly vanish leading to a bigger problem.
Why bring up the tabloids or the BNP, what has this to do with the article? That sounds like something the far left, Search Light, Unite or UAF would do to try and silence people by indirectly calling them a racist, facist or biggot?
What proof have you regards the three generations of British families never having worked?
I take it you are not British by the way you said "but nothing like what are committed by the British with their cash in hand while claiming beneifts", otherwise why make the distinction of British?
Do immigrants there in the UK not work for cash in hand?
I think you are being very disingenuous in your remarks, highlighting the fact that many people believe "immigrant welfare" is placed before their own. This is not an issue of immigrants, it is an issue of Political ideologies battling to look better than the other side.
BNP, the tabloids, as you may believe, facist, immigrant bashing scum. UAF, Unite, Search Light, far left,as others see you standing for, "anyone who does not agree with us are facists, racist bullies with bigotted attitudes and do not deserve free speech".
Who is in the middle, the immigrant.
And we need monarchical rule again, so our inbred leaders can have offspring we're truly proud of. Like the ones that would drool all over themselves at the dining tables all the way through adolescence into adulthood! They were the true spectacles we could be point to and be proud of by showing off to the world that this is who we are!!!
Just like Prince Charles has given us so much pride by those inbred Dumbo ears, we need more of that in our piss poor gene pool! It's fantastic we have chaps like oldunclemonty to champion our cause! Just think if all those nefarious immigrants were to pollute our pristine culture by breeding with our royal lineage and produce genetically healthier Brits that would be superior to who we are today! That would be travesty!
Thank you Old Uncle Monty! I thank our Anglican Lord that you are here to save us.
The people in l'aquila are rightly desperate because of the earth quake and the fact that they lost their homes. Before the winter all tent camps will disappear, and that is fast by any standard! In addition to that, most tent camps (as far as a camp can go, of course) are efficient and well organised. So the people are just hacked off by being in a camp, rightly so.
No reporting of the scandals? Really, please! I'd like to remind you that ALL the scandals that you so avidly read in the foreign press were first published in Italy. No scoop by foreign newspapers full stop. Certinly no scoop covered up! They became public in Italy, exported, and well used by the foreign press. So please, think what you like, say what you like of course, but the facts are facts. I do not dare think what would have happened if 100 rumenians had to leave Italy instead of the UK for racial attacks. Can you imagine? P.S. What are "Neighbourhood Watch" organisations in the UK? Oh wait, Vigilante Groups! So racial communities dislodged, and vigilante groups! Help!, emergency!, the UK is turninng fascist!! Or is it better to put hings into the right perspective?
The individuality of nations is an outdated, sentimental nonsense. For centuries, developed European nations have exploited the resources and labour of poorer nations around the world, without compensating the peoples of those nations adequately for what we've used, and we've become very fat and wealthy because of it... as nations of course, let's not talk about individuals here!
Yet we have the temerity to complain when people from those nations stand on our doorsteps and hope for a better life than the one we've taken from them!
If eliminating racism means losing cultural identity, then I think that's a small price to pay. Especially since our cultural identities were built on stolen wealth.
As for the wealth you claim Europe "stole" from the rest of the world, keep in mind that Europe aid to the third world has far exceeded the total value of everything we took during colonial times many times over. That is because there wasn't much Europe needed to take from the colonies in the first place (besides some luxury items), and Europeans colonised other lands with the intent to rule, not loot. In fact, the colonies ultimately proved to be more of a financial burden than a boon, which is part of the reason why states like Britain gradually withdrew from involvement with its colonies and ultimately granted independence even to some states that didn't push for it (like Canada). Colonisation was wrong, just like empires that have been attempted by many other peoples were wrong, but accusing us of somehow "stealing" our wealth from the rest of the world is offensive and ridiculous given that no one else in history has done more to share their wealth and technology with the rest of the world.
Finally, I notice a bit of hypocrisy in your post, you start by saying that forceful European immigration to other lands was wrong and imperialist, but you end by saying that others have the right to immigrate forcefully to our lands. Double standards like this can only be explained by hate, and I don't think any Europeans should take the advice of someone who feels that way towards them.
I also think accusing me of hatred towards Europe is hugely inaccurate. I live here, I have a British father and an Italian mother and I happen to be a European patriot.
Furthermore, since I don't agree with your "forceful immigration into Europe" interpretation of events, I don't see any hypocrisy in my post.
... and as for the "past deeds of our forefathers"? I think you'll find we're still pretty good at exploiting poorer countries, especially those with huge natural resources and cheap labour.
Most of what is being stated seems to be the interpretation of well known lauriettes and academics in Italy "The letter claimed that "irregular" immigrants could be barred from marrying Italians and from registering the birth of their children, "so the children... shall for their entire lives be the children of unknown parents". See the main point COULD BE?
As the article has not published the facts of the new laws, i believe the carefully pasted parts of a open letter, to the Parliament, from Italian personalities, reflects their views on the law, and not the point of the law!
Could you really imagine ANY legal wording stating, as the publisher has stated "legalises unarmed vigilante patrols by citizens"? This type of article in its construction is deliberately posted to create panic, disharmony and media hype, with the immigrant in the middle of it all. A typical leftist attitude to stir far right commentary.
My own feelings though are that when the right are trying to stoke up anger against immigrants, maybe this is necessary. Especially since I believe that the Italian right are using the bill to try and deflect attention away from their own poor behaviour, corrupt spending habits and diabolical handling of the Italian economy.
Unfortunately the bill really does allow the creation of "citizen patrols". Although I admit, it does use the word "unarmed" in the description of these groups. But I find this small comfort.
I look forward to further discussion with you my saheb.
Inshallah common sense will prevail... alongside compassion and understanding.
I am not completely upto speed with the political situation in Italy, beside what i read in the papers and listen to on the radio, but even with a law as radical as this one may seem (I say seem deliberately, as i have not read the content to judge for myself) it still highlights the fact that the feeling, and belief in the law is paradoxically, supported by the people themselves, otherwise i imagine there would be mass protests.
If the law is supported by the people of Italy, this raises the bigger question, why do they feel this way, as i cannot believe everyone has been influenced by the media?
What makes these matters even worse, is when the very people, in this case the Italians, then see protest groups standing up and labelling them biggots, racist, facist or any other kind of ist, rather then engaging their problems through communication and resolution with support for them.
We have seen here in the UK division amongst Muslims, mainly through the stupid acts of young radicalised teenagers, and influential people who say they represent Muslims. For example, British soldiers coming back from Iraq being called baby killers by these radicals. In the eyes of the public they picture that image as the norm, and the Politicians, the press and support groups make this in some cases worse by not taking action against them.
Has this been the case in Italy where a few rotten apples have spoiled the barrel, or is it, and this has to be thought about both from the citizens and immigrants point of view, mass congregation of immigrants into communities which worry the locals as they have not integrated (or been allowed to), or is it that there is genuinely a immigration problem in such large numbers, either locally or nationally, and the Government have failed to act until now?
Either way, having read through many posts, my belief is that somewhere along the line there needs to be someone who controls the immigration process among the countries, otherwise we will continue to see these actions as immigration is perceived, or believed to be out of hand as no one can provide any movement data for these people to counter that argument.
Perhaps tearing the doors off the asylum may have seemed like a good idea on the spur of the moment, granting freedom to all, but the difficulty then becomes trying work out who is sane of mind when they pose these ideas!
And as for the coffee, that is my one great sin, too much, too strong.
ivano_k, As Salamu Alaykum, meaning Peace be upon you.
How can any sane person oppose criminalising ILLEGAL immigrants? The clue is in the word 'illegal'!
These 'writers' who complain that this is redolent of fascism are clearly left-wing extremists who oppose their own history, culture and identity.
We need similar legislation in Britain, but the only party that will give it to us is the BNP and unfortunately the left-wing extremists over here who keep smearing the BNP as 'racists' are more effective in brainwashing the sheep-like public than in Italy where people obviously have a bit more backbone.
Immigration is BAD for Britain. It leads to more crime, less available housing, more pressure on shools and hospitals, a more crowded transport infrastructure, higher taxes, environmental damage and a breakdown of civil society.
Opposing mass-immigration is the right, proper and moral thing to do.
And who is it exactly that will lose?
I would like to know which point in British history you think was "civil".
Reichstag, imploding the economy, scapegoating and criminalizing a race people; next step, imposing marial law.
White Rose Resistance, where are you now that we need you?
1Reichstag, 2 imploding the economy, 3 scapegoating and criminalizing the an easy target 4 imposition of martial law to "protect " the fatherland.
1 9/11 2 implosion of the economy 3 scapegoating/profiling/criminalizing Muslims, and migrant workers, 4.....?
Before hearts completely harden, and minds close, consider that multinational corporations have exploited developing countries IN YOUR NAME and displaced millions. Where are these to go? Had we collectively had more knowledge of what's really going on, the news the corporate infotainment stations won't utter, we would be able to come to intelligent and HUMANE conclusions.
Obviously, the propaganda has been successful ,and many, as they did in Germany, have embraced the product sold by Wall Street - fascism.
May we stem the tide of ignorance and hatred and fear by arming ourselves with knowledge.
www.democracynow.org
Let me then say "Viva l"Inghilterra" that can dismiss and incriminate its undeserving politicians while instead, we hide the news and the quality of our mass media is tragically going downhill.
This new law is just another law to allow fear, confusion and by all means discrimination; it infects people's minds and our way of relating to one another. There are far more different means to resolve our immigration problems. And, as somebody else, has already mentioned the majority of these people work in our factories, homes, cleaning our apartments, taking care of our children and elderly people.Ask one italian or english whether they would perform such job. Not many I am afraid.
Natality has been very modest in Italy, The immigrants' children represent also our future. It does not matter if black. white or yellow. In the future they will work and generate money for our pension. At least part of it.
As far as the so-called vigilantes are concerned. Who would not want to go on the street and finally satisfy his/her sense of justice. Unfortunately it depends on what kind of justice you believe in, and what kind of personality you have. I am sure that the most moderate person would not walk in the italian streets and "take care" of the situation. Draw your own conclusion then.
Once again a corrupt government uses the immigrant 'soft target to direct attention away from their own actions.
Read the full stort on www.Margherita-Caminita.com
Thanks!
Read the full story on www.Margherita-Caminita.com
Thanks!
What's up, no soldiers to abuse this weekend?
Instead of leaving links with propoganda on, debate like an intelligent person, put your view, argue the toss, anything but these ridiculous links.
Holy Maholy! Lewks like dem Eyetalians got finally found theyz nuts! Hawly sh!t.
Not awnly got dem good ole boys now finally got the raight to round em up an tell em whare to go, boots an all, if ya know what I mean, but the naw the cops ain't even no longer forced to interfere. An' just in case they'z still got some upidy suffragette tryin' ta keep dem pygmies on the Whate Man's land now they get to finally get a taste of what's waitin' for dem when they go to jail fer not even fingering 'em. Just like in that mawvy, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, or was it Triumph of the Will, ah fergit. An naw more aw dem in the hospital spreadin' their deseases and in de schools stealing places from nice white kids. Goddamit! I still cain't beleive its true. I mean Hawly crap! Now how come we ain't got laws like that protecting me and mine in ma own nation. That's what aye wanna naw, 'n aye wanna know naiw. Oh mahn what a day... what a day.
Thera also severe inaccuracies.
"irregular" immigrants could be barred from marrying Italians and from registering the birth of their children. False. You do not need to be "legal" to marry an Italian. You can marry and then you will gain acces to residency. No problem here. Illegal immigrants who are pregnant will be able to register their children as they will receive an automatic temporary "green card".
The law will also oblige doctors, teachers ... to report immigrants. False. Under the previous law doctors were forbidden to report illegal immigrant. Now they can, IF they decide to do so. There is no obligation to do so: most doctors have already said they won't. Teachers will be specifically be exempt from this.
Whatever happened to fact finding in journalism? Oh, of course, it is much easier to write what others say...
In addition the international language is English add to that most of the good places to live in the world are British based ( Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand ). If you don't agree with me ask all of the immigrants coming to your shores why they left their native land for the U.K. , it is doubtful they will answer it was just for the scones.
Lastly what the heck is wrong with Prince Charles's ears?
: For the record I am only 25% British ancestry and an American but I read history enough to have some facts, you should attempt to do likewise.